Oliver Haslam on May 20, 2019, 7:52 pm

Google To Cease Huawei’s Android License, Will Pull Play Store, Google Apps, Android Updates From Future Devices

Following an executive order by President Trump which bans Chinese firm Huawei from working with U.S. companies, Google has confirmed that it is “taking steps to comply.” However, Google has yet to actually explain what that means.

Despite Google’s reluctance to confirm what this means for Huawei’s business, Reuters notes that Huawei devices will no longer receive Google Android updates, and that any devices not yet released will also not be able to use first-party Google apps and services including the Google Play store.

Despite that news, Google has at least confirmed that existing devices will continue to work as intended. In a tweet, Google said:

For Huawei users’ questions regarding our steps to comply w/ the recent US government actions: We assure you while we are complying with all US gov’t requirements, services like Google Play & security from Google Play Protect will keep functioning on your existing Huawei device.

That distinction is an important one given Huawei’s recent ascent to the number two spot in the list of largest smartphone makers on the planet.

There are a lot of Huawei devices in use, and the prospect of them losing access to core features and functionality was a potential nightmare not just for the company, but its carrier partners and users alike.

The ultimate expectation here is that much if this is posturing on the part of the U.S. government in an attempt to try and force its Chinese counterpart to the negotiating table regarding tariffs, etc. However, you never really do know how things will shake out and for now Huawei looks like it’s going to have some serious work to do if it is to find a solution to the situation.

(Source: Reuters)